The DL Chronicles

The DL Chronicles is an intriguing, sexy new short film making the festival rounds. The story is quite simple: a journalist undertakes research for a book on men living on the "down low," and his narration is the story of the men that are interviewed. Technically, at thirty minutes this is a "short" film, but the structure perfectly lends itself to episodic television. There's been strong feedback from critics and test audiences; the directors hope that traction can pilot this episode to the small-screen.

"We were originally going to shoot 3 episodes back to back, to distribute direct to DVD as a DVD series," co-director Quincy LaNear told Rod 2.0 in a conversation over the weekend. "Because of the great response, we have decided to wait and shop it to television first. We hope to be able to follow in the success of Noah's Arc and hits like The L Word and Queer As Folk" The DL Chronicles was written, directed and produced by Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett; you'll recall the latter co-starred in Parenthood, Sister Act 2 and the critically-acclaimed short On the Low. The creative team are also a real-life couple, and, for the first time, discuss their partnership to Rod 2.0.

Below, plot synopsis, a review and more conversation with the directors.

The film introduces us to Wes Thomas (Darren Schnase), a striving buppie and real estate banker. Early in the film, it's made obvious that he's attracted to men.

It's also made obvious that he's having marital difficulties with wife Sarah (Jessica Beshir).

Enter Sarah's brother Trenton (Ty Vincent), who is between jobs and moves onto their sleeper sofa.

However, Trenton wants to move off the sleeper sofa and into bed with Wes. Even though it's his brother-in-law, Wes is giving hints so you really don't dislike Trenton.

So begins their cat and mouse game of sexual tension that ultimately leads to the thrill of sexual intimacy. We weren't sure did they have a history, but it's quite obvious that there is sexual tension. The intimate scene is the film's climax, but this is very tasteful and non-gratuitous. "We didn't want it to appear pornographic and ruff, which wouldn't be true to the characters in this episode," says writer and co-director LeNear. "Men can make love too." The love scene is very romantic and almost surrealistic.

Over the weekend, we were lucky to view the short film at a private screening—lights off, a bowl of popcorn (lots of butter and celery salt, mmm good!) and on our own DVD player. The DL Chronicles is a quiet, reflective film—with the promise of a mini-She's Gotta Have It or Love Jones—but with the tension of a Woody Allen-esque ensemble piece. The Nina Simone-inspired soundtrack helps move the plot forward. Unlike most short films, the production values are fabulous; the art direction is top-notch, the photography and composition are solid, and, for the most part, the editing is tight. It's a good script—not over-written, but not the punch of a minimalist drama, which is okay. Too many shorts are Mamet-wannabes; their presentation becomes contrived and this is more subtle. There are nuances throughout the story that many directors would have exploited. Did Wes and Trenton have history? Did Sarah know that her brother had the hots for her man?

There are a few shots at a dinner party that are long on hints and glances, and short on dialogue; it works like a charm.

The intimate scene is not very long; it's more sensual and erotic than overtly sexual. The lighting is dim and dissolves are used to transition and advance the scene. We would have liked just a little more, but the structure perfectly works within the framework of not appearing too literal, and in the context of a pilot episode. Also, actor Ty Vincent (Trenton) appears just a tad reserved, but again, that's understandable. Co-director Quincy LeNear tells Rod 2.0 that the intimate scenes were shot on a closed set. "I actually shot the male-male scene myself because we wanted our actors to feel more comfortable by not having a room full of crew gawking at them and possibly judging them. It was just Deondray, the actors, and myself. The crew waited in the hall till we yelled cut. We had a predominately straight crew, pretty liberal folks, but people often react differently when they are presented with the reality of male-male intimacy."

Particularly impressive are the cast. Naturally, Darren Schnase caught our attention. He's gorgeous, assertive and follows the First Commandment of short films: Thou Shalt Not Overact. "Darren came into the audition very humbly, with a big smile," Deondray Gossett told Rod 2.0. "He was very charismatic from the start. When he read, it was clear who our Wes was going to be. We felt as if we were watching the episode right there in the audition room. He hit every character mark that we wanted Wes to have: innocence, charisma, vulnerability. Not to mention he was very handsome."

Another quality of Schnase—besides abs and a Colgate smile—is an international background that provides depth. Darren is from Australia, and you hear traces of the accent. "I thought he was Canadian," Quincy LeNear explained to Rod 2.0. "It wasn't until after he was cast that he let loose and revealed that he was Australian. And I mean really thick-accented Australian! I was so shocked, I didn't know we even came in that flavor in the Outback, save for the Aboriginals. Nevertheless, he blew me away with his audition. He performed it exactly as I wrote it."

The entire cast is multinational. Even though we're raving about Darren Schnase, we have to discuss Jessica Beshir. First, the obvious; she's flawless. She was born in Mexico City to a Mexican mother and Ethiopian father, and raised there and in her father's land. Jessica speaks five languages and graduated from UCLA with a degree in Italian lit. The education and background shows; her accent is brilliant and timing almost impeccable.

Ty Vincent, a native New Yorker, plays Trenton the slutty brother-in-law. He's also multinational—African-American (there's a phrase you don't often see here), Brazilian, and Italian, and resume boasting credits from indie films and theater, including the critically-acclaimed WesBeth, just two blocks from Rod 2.0's studio apartment penthouse editorial suites. Ty is quite capable; his chemistry with Darren is not electric, it's much more subtle.

What would we change? At times, the third-person narrative by the journalist/author seems out of place, and may have to be further integrated within the subtext. If the project were green-lighted for the small screen, the narration could go and we would probably create more empathy with the protagonist. Also: a new title. With the "dl" label, the film may be handicapped by some of the backlash and revisionism associated with the term.

But, maybe that's all the more reason to stay on message and keep the name. "We hope that our series will in some way help to de-stigmatize gay/bi men and encourage an atmosphere where DL men won't be afraid to be who they are," notes Gossett.

Another factor was much more personal: the professional collaboration between Quincy LeNear and Deondray Gossett serves as a celluloid coming-out party of sorts. "We understand first hand the process of coming out, as Quincy and I have only recently come out publicly about our 9-year relationship," Deondray reveals to Rod 2.0. "I had starred in a film earlier this year called On The Low, and it was a constant struggle to decide whether or not to disclose my sexuality when being interviewed. Both our families have known for years, but to come out publicly can be sudden social and career death as a black man and actor in Hollywood."

We applaud Deondray and Quincy for coming out and have high hopes that they'll become another Hollywood power couple. It's exciting to see two gay black men in the industry; personally, it gives us hope and inspiration.

Rod 2.0 readers will remember that we absolutely loved Deondray Gossett's performance in On the Low. He was quiet yet intense, focused and appropriately vulnerable. 2 Cents Productions is the creative team between he and partner Quincy LeNear. They began writing and directing experimental shorts in 2001, including Showtime's award winning, Had U. Their narrative directorial debut was in '03 with their second feature, Of Death and Dying. After noticing a lack of cultural diversity in lgbt film, Quincy and Deondray were inspired to create a series about the dl. Deondray says that he grew tired of waiting for someone else to present a positive story. "There just wasn't anything that portrayed black men in the life, and if there was, I couldn't find them. Then came Oprah's segment about black men on the DL, and suddenly gay/bi black men were vilified and became the scapegoat as the definitive reason why there is a rise in HIV cases among African-American women. I was floored."

The DL Chronicles has an added bot of star power; the script captured the attention of Ahmed Best, who starred as Jar Jar Binks in Star Wars episodes I, I and III. His production company, Stop That Bangin'! Productions, came aboard to executive produce.

The DL Chronicles will debut in Los Angeles at Outfest's Fusion LGBT People of Color Film Festival on November 13th. It will follow in Atlanta at the 18th Annual Out on Film LGBT Film Festival on November 14th.

See the trailer at The DL Chronicles 2 Cents Productions Out on Film Outfest Also: On the Low and A Conversation with Luther Mace

Comments

[Da Greasy Guide]

We have so many more stories and so much more to our lives then for every damn movie we do nowadays to be about us on the DL. I'm so sick of it! Have none of these film makers seen the british "Metrosexuals"? You can do a movie about to black men who love each other and are in a nontraditional family strcture.

[TheRevKev]

Thanks Rod.

You did it again. I appreciate you opening the door and our eyes to another piece of quality filmmaking about OUR LIVES. But, I have to agree with DaGreasyGuide in one component and that is that there is so much more to OUR love and OUR community and OUR relationships than the struggle of the DL brothers.

However, SINCE we as a culture and a community of Black (sorry African-Americans!!!, I'm a child of the STRUGGLE...I likes my BLACKNESS!) people haven't dealt with man-on-man love yet, THIS STORY SETS UP THE JOURNEY and those of us gifted with the skills have to have the REST OF THE STORY written and ready, so that we can move to expand the picture.

While this movie is entitled "THE DL CHRONICLES," it really does seems to tell the tale of a man struggling with his sexuality, period. DL seems to have seeped everyone in this I HIDE WHO I AM SEXUALLY FROM MY WIFE WHILE I BONE DUDES BUT HATE FAGS mentality. I'm feeling something more from this. I hope I'm right, but in the meantime, I write.

Thanks again, Rod. Here's hoping that epic tales of love and intrigue, romance and substance are on the way.

WRITERS, WRITE!

IT'S TIME SOME ACTION!!!!

JADED...COMING 2006! (sorry for the shameless plug!)...Love Y'all Like Music.

[TheRevKev]

P.S.
I am a LITTLE WORRIED ABOUT THE IMAGE OF "GAY-IDENTIFIED MAN AS SEDUCER!" EVEN THOUGH YOU SAY THAT WES "DROP HINTS," HE DOES SO BECAUSE TRENTON IS 'A TEASE.' I WILL SEE IT SO I CAN REALLY BE ENGAGED IN THE DIALOGUE, BUT I AM WORRIED ABOUT THIS. BUT THANKS FOR ALWAYS BRINGING UP THE STUFF IN THE INDUSTRY AND IN ENTERTAINMENT THAT SPARKS DIALOGUE!

[boogie tonight]

Hey man I just spread the word about this to my people yesterday ... Great minds think alike

[Bari]

I have to agree with the greasy guide. Why is everyone stuck on the DL. The DL has been in society for decades. It unfortunately depicts yet another true-to-life example of how far behind we are as a race when it comes to addressing issues we face everyday.

[Terrence]

Where can my partner and I catch the series noahs ark. We live in florida.

[Cederico]

Terrence,

Also in Florida. DirectTV offers Logo in their viewing package. It's a great series....finally a series about black men loving black men and telling their stories of our lives. And well it's just plain funny.

[Deondray Gossett]

Hello Fellas,

I'm the co-creator and co-director of The DL Chronicles, and I have been reading some of your blog posts and I just want to clarify something:
This series wasn't created to further exploit the negative sterotypes we keep seeing/hearing in the media about the supposed "new" DL phenomenon. As a matter of fact, it was created to COUNTERACT and COMBAT some of these one-sided and biased images, while still being a form of entertainment for gay/bi men to enjoy and not at all feel stigmatized. Every episode doesn't involve a man cheating on his wife or girlfriend - some have to do with men being DL at the workplace, to their children - to THEMSELVES! Each episode attempts to be slick, intelligent, and SEXY. They're not always some big political or social statement. Our series attempts to tell the WHOLE story and shed light on the complicated condition of the DL man without pointing fingers. We want to expose the REAL reasons why some men are FORCED to chose this life because of ignorance and intolerance. ALL of us (lesbian/gay/bi/trasnsgendered) at some point in our lives, before anyone knew of our sexuality, lived for some period of time on the DL before we were open about who we were. Those are the stories we want to tell. Our hope is that it fosters understanding and dialogue, and at best, acceptance for all those who struggle in this society with this issue - plus be entertaining! There's so little out there about gay/bi African American men, we hope that this is some way helps put a face on our community. I ask everyone to check our website often and look and see where the film is playing in your area. Then write and tell us what you think. I am glad that this film has at least sparked some dialogue! Go see it!!!

[greg]

it looks interesting. i would like to see it. the main reason I want to see it is because these two filmmakers are a couple. you only very rarely see black gay male couples as a professional team. we should celebrate that. at minimum.

DEONDRAY AND QUINCY WE APPLAUD YOU!

second, i will see it because rod recommends. can we be honest, if rod recommends something, it is usually good. he usually has the first scoop on books and movies and pop culture. even when he warns things are bad he has good critique. if we didnt at least respect his decisions, we wouldn't come here a few times daily. or is that just me????

is the movie coming to dc?

good luck deondray!

[ralphie]

First of all, Greg is RIGHT. These are two young men who came out as a couple and created a product. They're role models.

I have to agree with Boogie (love your blog!), Kevin and Greg; let's see the movie. I totally disagree with "DaGreasy", who is starting to show up more often and criticize whatever Rod writes. It seems personal. Bitter, much?

Also, let's keep in mind that Rod said that he screened the entire movie. The ENTIRE MOVIE. So, he should have a better perspective.

You can't criticize a book or movie without reading or watching.

BTW, hasn't lame-azz E. Lynn Harris made millions of dollars off the DL? I don't hear anyone criticizing him.

Yes and the lead actor Darrin looks very nice. The trailer looks promising.

[Dante']

I think the movie looks pretty good. Subject matter is nothing different from most novel book that have been issued to the public over the last couple of months (years in some cases). Seems like the DL things still remains a popular trend in storytelling, so like most people will say: Ride the tide until it goes down. Just wish a lil' more creativity went into these stories or sumthin' with a lil' extra twist. But I'm pretty sure Lynn Harris, Kevin Ames, J. L. King, Brenda Stone Browder, and movie directors Luther Mace (On The Low) and Maurice Townes (The Closet) won't mind adding another DL saga in their popular mix of entertainment.

[algie]

i too am tired of the dl topics. all of us ain't on the dl leading double lifes/ thats why i like noah's arc like i do because it shows us in different situations living happy and not just on the dl like it seems some want to keep riding that tired bull of the dl lifestyle like its something brand new

[Bari]

In reference to D. Gossett's comments:

I totally understand that this short film, as well as the "many" other movie projects and books that tackle the subject matter is mostly for entertainment purposes with the understanding that if it provides useful information and touches a life than so be it. What I don't understand is why only one facet of the "DL" situation is depicted in these movies. If we are really "keeping it real" then why does it seem that all of the characters in each of these movies portray the same qualities, the same look, the same family situation. In the real world, not every "DL" brother is a business man with a Brooke's brother suit, not every "DL" man has a chiseled body with a goatee and bald head, or cold black curly hair. In the real world, "DL" guys come in many shapes and sizes and extend from a variety of background situations. Many of our "DL" brothers are not married at all. Many of the "DL" brothers require that the men they deal with have more of an effeminate deposition. I live in DC and I know for a fact that a vast majority of the "DL" men here deal with transvestites or drag queens. They like it "fem with a stem". The "DL" phenomenon also crosses barriers of race, of circumstance, of necessity. This is just my opinion of the subject matter. I am all for minorities excelling in the arts. I leave you with a question though. Is it really possibly to put these types of sexuality issues in positive perspectives and still keep it interesting enough to entertain without possibly losing the message?

[Lottaluv]

I disagree with some of your comments about the DL being over done. It's like people who say that the AIDS issue is over done, or the race issue. Yes, I agree that the DL has been the hot topic for the past year or so, but that does not mean it has been properly or fully discussed. It has not gone away nor will it soon.

The truth is that most of us are STILL IN THE CLOSET! Most of us are still attacked and hated by our religious institutions, families, and communities. Most of us live on the DL, not necessarily with women and children (although I know plenty) but we are nevertheless hiding and struggling to be.

I commend anyone who is willing to take a fresh look at the topic and attempt to show it in a different light. The general public needs to see these stories and so do we. This sounds like it would make a great series. I would definitely watch it.

As far as shows like Noah’s Arc, I commend those filmmakers as well. But it’s not the first time we've seen effeminate gay black men on TV or in film. Actually, that's the way people expect us to be. They expect all of us to wear shawls, boas and scarves, to snap our fingers and roll our eyes. That's what the media has always portrayed. Yes, it’s the first time as an African American Gay series, but I don't necessarily see the characters as being something fresh.

Nevertheless, I have friends that can identify with Noah's Arc, and those characters do represent a number of Gay Black Men. They are just not the whole story. And I have seen the first few episodes on LOGO, which I enjoyed. However, I would also like to see the men that I have creeped with, the stories I know.

Rod quotes one of the directors, "We hope that our series will in some way help to de-stigmatize gay/bi men and encourage an atmosphere where DL men won't be afraid to be who they are," notes Gossett.

Obviously the directors were aware of trying not to stereotype men. Ya’ll need to reread the article before you make judgments.

We have a long way to go ya’ll and we are just getting started. We need as many life affirming images out there as possible, especially good ones.

Congratulations to Mr. Gossett and Mr. LeNear. Will it be on DVD?

[ricky]

thanks for screenig the movie. it sounds no better or worst than all that e. lynn harris crap we have been spoon-fed. rod, thanks for keeping us up to date. by the way:: i love the movie stills. this is where the ad money goes? it is hoty.

[taylor Siluwé]

This is a great, all of it: The film ... Rod's breakdown ... the comments (even the obligatory E. Lynn hateration).

But what I'm feeling the most is a new understanding of the term DL. I've always been a vocal opponent of all things down and low ... but it's undeniably true that at some point we all creeped, if only for a minute. I know I did.

Maybe these DL stories will present the results of the homophobic dogma ... the lives derailed when people are forced to be something they're not.

Oh shit. It's like a lightbulb just went off, a weird crazy-colored one ... and suddenly I feel protective of a group I've taken great pleasure in maligning. And a strange camaraderie, which should be scary but its not.

Who knew?

ALL these stories ARE our stories ... the DL ones, the Noah's Arc super fag ones, and even the blue collar average guy ones (when they comes out) will be OUR stories.

And they ALL need to be told.

Deondray ... you keep doing your thing, 'cause I love writing your name.

[Dexter]

Seems very interesting. I hope to see it soon.

[PL]

Will this movie be out on DVD??

[Afraid]

I read your blog and I am thankful for the window into your world. I just have to say this. The DL lifestyle may be old hac to you, but to black women, it is brand new. I never get tired of any tools,information, or insight that I can gain to protect myself from having to experience such heart ache. Sometimes, I wonder if it is all a lie and if I'm a fool for believing that a man can ever love us the way we were taught that they should. No one wants us anymore. I wish I was a lesbian or could stomach a white man.

[Reginald Phillips]

Is this available for purchase?

[Keymarie Payne]

I Love DL Chronicals it's my all time favorite show since noah's arc

[martin]

i wish i could by this on dvd like the "the closet" out of atlanta i just bought that online 2day, it looks pretty good too.

[AfroMax]

Encore! Encore!! Great poetry... great work of art! My greatest respects! Does anyone know where i can find quotes from the series? Please send responses to: thugish_brat@hotmail.com